Multi-level quick click icon hierarchy and/or activation

ABSTRACT

A method and system for helping a user perform tasks in software. Graphic elements (e.g., icons) are rendered and displayed regardless of which task is being performed. An element can be either active or inactive; user selection of an element with the element active initiates an action in response to the selection while user selection of the element with the element inactive will not initiate the action. The elements are selectively activated and deactivated to guide the user through the tasks according to the order in which the tasks are logically performed. The elements are also selectively activated and deactivated to suggest a hierarchy to the tasks within the logical order of the tasks. Accordingly, the user is guided through the tasks without the need for a help utility such as a wizard.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to software applications.Specifically, the present invention relates to a help utility within anapplication, in particular an application used for designing amicrocontroller.

BACKGROUND ART

Microcontrollers function to replace mechanical and electromechanicalcomponents in a variety of applications and devices. Since they werefirst introduced approximately 30 years ago, microcontrollers haveevolved to the point where they can be used for increasingly complexapplications. Some microcontrollers in use today are also programmable,expanding the number of applications in which they can be used.

However, even though there are a large number of different types ofmicrocontrollers available on the market with a seemingly wide range ofapplicability, it is still often difficult for a designer to find amicrocontroller that is particularly suited for a particularapplication. Unique aspects of the intended application may make itdifficult to find an optimum microcontroller, perhaps necessitating acompromise between the convenience of using an existing microcontrollerdesign and less than optimum performance.

In those cases in which a suitable microcontroller is found, subsequentchanges to the application and new requirements placed on theapplication will likely affect the choice of microcontroller. Thedesigner thus again faces the challenge of finding a suitablemicrocontroller for the intended application.

To overcome these problems, microcontroller suppliers (specifically,Cypress MicroSystems in Bothell, Wash.) have started to offer standardparts that combine a microprocessor with several user-configurable“building blocks.” These building blocks may be assembled, configuredand programmed to form many standard microprocessor peripherals, as wellas to form unique peripherals as may be required by a specificapplication. Thus, a user can tailor a microcontroller to meet his orher specific requirements, in less time and at less cost than throughother means. A microcontroller assembled from these building blocks isreferred to herein as a programmable single-chip system. Additionalinformation regarding such a microcontroller is provided in theco-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/033,027,filed Oct. 22, 2001, by W. Snyder, and entitled “ProgrammableMicrocontroller Architecture,” hereby incorporated by reference.

Unfortunately, conventional tools available for designing, configuringand programming these and other types of microcontrollers are confusingand difficult to use. The conventional tools are generally categorizedas one of two types: a “wizard” type, and a “free form” type. Each ofthese types has its own set of problems.

In a wizard type of approach, the user is guided through the designprocess, from one step to the next step. Typically, the user ispresented with a standardized display screen or window. The user fillsin the required fields, then advances to the next screen when therequired fields are completed.

One problem with the wizard type of approach is its rigidity. The usertypically cannot advance to the next step without completing theexisting step. Thus, for example, the effect of a decision made at onestep cannot be seen on subsequent steps.

Another problem with the wizard type of approach is that the user canonly move back and forth one step at a time. The user may make adecision at one step, proceed a number of steps forward in the process,then decide to review or change the decision made several steps earlier.The only way to return to the earlier step is to traverse through eachof the windows for all of the intervening steps.

The free form type of approach is substantially less rigid than thewizard approach, but as a result it is confusing and difficult to use.In a free form approach, as a user designs and programs amicrocontroller, choices of functions or tasks are presented asdrop-down menus. Each function opens a different window, and multiplefunctions may need to be performed in order to complete even the mostsimple of tasks. Consequently, many windows are opened as the userattempts to design and program the microcontroller. The many displayedwindows tend to be confusing because the user needs to keep track ofwhich windows are used for which function. Also, the user needs toremember what information has been entered into each window, and whatinformation is still required for each window. Furthermore, it is oftendifficult for the user to navigate between windows because some windowsmay be totally obscured by other windows. In addition, while the wizardapproach helps a user that may not understand the design process andthus needs to be guided through that process in step-by-step fashion,the free form approach relies heavily on the familiarity of the userwith the design process and so provides little or no guidance.

Thus, what is needed is a method or system that can help guide a userthrough a series of tasks in an orderly manner while facilitatingmovement between tasks. What is also needed is a method or system thatcan satisfy the above need and that can be used for the design ofmicrocontrollers, such as microcontrollers of the design mentionedabove. The present invention provides a novel solution to these needs.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and system thereof that can helpguide a user through a series of tasks in an orderly manner whilefacilitating movement between tasks. The present invention furtherprovides a method and system that can be used for the design ofmicrocontrollers.

The present invention pertains to a method and system for helping a userperform tasks in software. In one embodiment, the tasks to be performedare those associated with the design of a microcontroller, such as amicrocontroller utilizing a programmable system on a chip architecture.

In one embodiment, graphic elements (e.g., icons) are rendered anddisplayed regardless of which task is being performed; that is, theelements are always visible. In the various embodiments of the presentinvention, each element is associated with a particular task, taskwindow, or “workspace” (a workspace may be associated with one or moretasks and may consist of one or more task windows). In one embodiment,the graphic elements are displayed in an order that corresponds to theorder in which the tasks should be logically performed.

A graphic element can be either active or inactive; user selection of anelement with the element active initiates an action in response to theselection while user selection of the element with the element inactivewill not initiate the action. In the various embodiments of the presentinvention, when a user selects an active element (e.g., the user“clicks” on an icon in the familiar fashion), the associated task windowor workspace is opened (displayed).

In accordance with the present invention, some elements are activatedand other elements are deactivated according to the task to be performedor the window or workspace to be used. In one embodiment, one or moreelements are activated at all times. In another embodiment, in responseto the user selecting a graphic element (the user also thereby selectinga particular task, window or workspace), one or more different elementsare activated while other elements are deactivated, thus providing theuser with access to certain tasks, windows or workspaces whilepreventing access to others. What a user can and cannot access isintelligently selected and enforced by activating and deactivatingelements, thereby guiding the user through the tasks according to theorder in which the tasks should be logically performed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a first plurality of graphicelements and a second plurality of graphic elements are rendered in afirst toolbar and a second toolbar, respectively. In this embodiment, afirst portion of the first plurality of elements is activated inresponse to user selection of another element, in particular an elementfrom the first plurality of elements. A second portion of the secondplurality of elements is activated in response to an element from thefirst plurality of elements, in particular an element from the firstportion of elements. In this manner, graphic elements are selectivelyactivated and deactivated to suggest a hierarchy of tasks within thelogical order of the tasks.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a graphicelement associated with a first task and a graphic element associatedwith a second task can be active at the same time. By selecting oneelement or the other, the user can move directly between the windows (orworkspaces) for the first and second tasks without passing through thewindows or workspaces of any intervening tasks.

In summary, the present invention is used to suggest an order forperforming tasks, guiding the user through the tasks and facilitatinguser movement between tasks without the need for a help utility such asa wizard. The user is guided through the tasks in an organized manner,while still providing the user with a degree of flexibility and freedomof movement. These and other objects and advantages of the presentinvention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the artafter having read the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments that are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system upon whichembodiments of the present invention may be practiced.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary programmable single-chipsystem architecture used with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an exemplary arrangement of programmablesystem blocks used with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process used by a microcontroller design toolin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate exemplary graphical user interfacesthat are generated in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for helping a userperform tasks in software according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a process for helping auser perform tasks in software according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface renderedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious toone of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the presentinvention.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions that follow are presented interms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.These descriptions and representations are the means used by thoseskilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the presentapplication, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, isconceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructionsleading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times,principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals astransactions, bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, fragments,pixels, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention,discussions utilizing terms such as “rendering,” “activating,”“deactivating,” “displaying,” “accessing,” “selecting,” “generating,”“placing,” “specifying,” “programming,” “executing” or the like, referto actions and processes (e.g., processes 300, 500 and 600 of FIGS. 3, 5and 6, respectively) of a computer system or similar electroniccomputing device. The computer system or similar electronic computingdevice manipulates and transforms data represented as physical(electronic) quantities within the computer system memories, registersor other such information storage, transmission or display devices. Thepresent invention is well suited to use with other computer systems.

Refer now to FIG. 1, which illustrates an exemplary computer system 190upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. Ingeneral, computer system 190 comprises bus 100 for communicatinginformation, processor 101 coupled with bus 100 for processinginformation and instructions, random access (volatile) memory (RAM) 102coupled with bus 100 for storing information and instructions forprocessor 101, read-only (non-volatile) memory (ROM) 103 coupled withbus 100 for storing static information and instructions for processor101, data storage device 104 such as a magnetic or optical disk and diskdrive coupled with bus 100 for storing information and instructions, anoptional user output device such as display device 105 coupled to bus100 for displaying information to the computer user, an optional userinput device such as alphanumeric input device 106 includingalphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus 100 for communicatinginformation and command selections to processor 101, and an optionaluser input device such as cursor control device 107 coupled to bus 100for communicating user input information and command selections toprocessor 101. Furthermore, an optional input/output (I/O) device 108 isused to couple computer system 190 onto, for example, a network.

Display device 105 utilized with computer system 190 may be a liquidcrystal device, cathode ray tube, or other display device suitable forcreating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to theuser. Cursor control device 107 allows the computer user to dynamicallysignal the two-dimensional movement of a visible symbol (pointer) on adisplay screen of display device 105. Many implementations of the cursorcontrol device are known in the art including a trackball, mouse,joystick or special keys on alphanumeric input device 106 capable ofsignaling movement of a given direction or manner of displacement. It isto be appreciated that the cursor control 107 also may be directedand/or activated via input from the keyboard using special keys and keysequence commands. Alternatively, the cursor may be directed and/oractivated via input from a number of specially adapted cursor directingdevices.

The present invention is described in the context of a software tool,portions of which are comprised of computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions which reside, for example, incomputer-usable media of a computer system such as that exemplified byFIG. 1. The present invention is primarily described as being used witha tool for designing, configuring, programming, compiling, building(assembling), emulating, and debugging an embedded microcontroller, inparticular a class of microcontrollers that provide analog and/ordigital subsystems comprising many dynamically configurable blocks. Anexample of this class is referred to herein as a programmablemicrocontroller architecture. Additional information regarding such anarchitecture is provided in the co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/033,027, filed Oct. 22, 2001, by W. Snyder, andentitled “Programmable Microcontroller Architecture,” herebyincorporated by reference.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an integrated circuit (or microcontroller)210 that exemplifies a microcontroller which uses a programmablearchitecture. In the illustrated embodiment, integrated circuit 210includes a system bus 211, and coupled to bus 211 are synchronous randomaccess memory (SRAM) 212 for storing volatile or temporary data duringfirmware execution, central processing unit (CPU) 214 for processinginformation and instructions, flash read-only memory (ROM) 216 forholding instructions (e.g., firmware), input/output (I/O) pins 218providing an interface with external devices and the like, and systemblocks 225. The system blocks 225 include analog blocks and digitalblocks.

Referring to FIG. 2B, an embodiment of system block 225 is depicted ingreater detail. In this embodiment, system block 225 includes an analogfunctional block 230, a digital functional block 240, and a programmableinterconnect 250. Analog block 230 includes, in the present embodiment,a matrix of interconnected analog blocks A1 through AN. The number N maybe any number of analog blocks. Likewise, digital block 240 includes, inthe present embodiment, a matrix of interconnected digital blocks D1through DM. The number M may be any number of digital blocks. The analogblocks A1 through AN and the digital blocks D1 through DM arefundamental building blocks that may be combined in different ways toaccomplish different functions. Importantly, different combinations ofblocks, producing different functions, may exist at different timeswithin the same system. For example, a set of blocks configured toperform the function of analog-to-digital conversion may sample asignal. After processing that signal in the digital domain, those sameblocks (perhaps in conjunction with a few others) may be recombined in adifferent configuration to perform the function of digital-to-analogconversion to produce an output signal.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 2B, the internal matrices of analogblocks 230 and digital blocks 240 may be constituted, in one embodiment,by a routing matrix described further in the patent applicationreferenced above. Analog blocks 230 and digital blocks 240 areelectrically and/or communicatively coupled to programmable interconnect250, in the present embodiment, by intra-block routing 235. Eachindividual functional unit, e.g., analog blocks A1 through AN anddigital blocks D1 through DM, may communicate and interact with eachand/or any other functional unit. Which functional unit communicateswith which other functional unit is programmable, in the presentembodiment, via the configurability of the programmable interconnect250. The programmable interconnect 250 is connected via an internalinput/output (I/O) bus 236 to pin-by-pin configurable I/O transceivers(pins) 218 (FIG. 2A), which effect communicative coupling betweenintegrated circuit 210 (FIG. 2A) and external modalities. The total pincount of pin-by-pin configurable I/O pins 218 may vary from oneapplication to another, depending on the system device underconsideration.

With reference next to FIG. 3, process 300 illustrates exemplary stepsused by a microcontroller design tool in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. The purpose of process 300 is to configure,program, compile, build, emulate and debug a customized microcontroller(a “target device”) based on the integrated circuit 210 and systemblocks 225 of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In one embodiment, process 300 of FIG. 3 is carried out by a processorunder the control of computer-readable and computer-executableinstructions. The computer-readable and computer-executable instructionsreside, for example, in data storage features such as computer usablevolatile memory 102, computer-usable non-volatile memory 103, and/ordata storage device 104 of FIG. 1. The computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions are used to control or operate inconjunction with, for example, central processing unit 101 of FIG. 1.

Although specific steps are disclosed in process 300 of FIG. 3, suchsteps are exemplary. That is, the present invention is well suited touse with various other steps or variations of the steps recited inprocess 300. Additionally, for purposes of clarity and brevity, thefollowing discussion and examples specifically deal with amicrocontroller design tool. The present invention, however, is notlimited solely to use with a microcontroller design tool. Instead, thepresent invention is well suited to use with other types ofcomputer-aided hardware and software design systems in which it isnecessary to accomplish a multitude of tasks as part of an overallprocess.

In step 310, applicable “user modules” are selected. A user module, asused herein, is a preconfigured function that may be based on more thanone system block. A user module, once placed and programmed, will workas a peripheral on the target device. At any time in process 300, usermodules may be added to or removed from the target device.

The selected user modules can then be “placed” or “mapped” onto thesystem blocks 225 of FIG. 2B. Once a user module is placed, itsparameters can be viewed and modified as needed. Global parameters usedby all of the user modules (for example, CPU clock speed) can also beset.

Continuing with step 310 of FIG. 3, interconnections between theselected user modules can be specified, either as each user module isplaced or afterwards. The pin-out for each programmable system block canbe specified, making a connection between the software configuration andthe hardware of the target device.

In step 320, application files can be generated. When application filesare generated, existing assembly-source and C compiler code are updatedfor all device configurations, and application program interfaces (APIs)and interrupt service routines (ISRs) are generated.

In step 330, the desired functionality can be programmed into the targetdevice. Source code files can be edited, added or removed.

In step 340, the assembler process can be executed. The assembleroperates on an assembly-language source to produce executable code. Thiscode is compiled and built into an executable file that can bedownloaded into an emulator, where the functionality of the targetdevice can be emulated and debugged.

In step 350, the target device can be “built.” Building the targetdevice links all the programmed functionalities of the source files(including device configuration), which are downloaded to a file fordebugging.

In step 360, the target device can be emulated using an in-circuitemulator for debugging. The emulator allows the target device to betested in a hardware environment while device activity is viewed anddebugged in a software environment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate exemplary graphical user interfaces(GUIs) that are generated in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. In one embodiment, these GUIs are displayed ondisplay device 105 of computer system 190 (FIG. 1). It is appreciatedthat these GUIs are exemplary only, and that they may include differentnumbers and shapes of elements and windows other than those which areillustrated.

FIG. 4A shows a GUI 400 comprising a first plurality of graphic elements410, a second plurality of graphic elements 420, and a number of openwindows 431, 432, 433, 434 and 435. In one embodiment, the first andsecond pluralities of graphic elements are icons rendered as buttons. Inanother embodiment, the first plurality of graphic elements 410 areorganized in a first toolbar, and the second plurality of graphicelements 420 are organized in a second toolbar. In the presentembodiment, each graphic element is associated with a particular task,window or workspace. As will be seen, the graphic elements are organizedwithin each toolbar to suggest an order for performing tasks, and thefirst and second toolbars are used to suggest a hierarchy of tasks.

In accordance with the present invention, each of the graphic elementsmay be either active or inactive. An active element, when selected by auser, will initiate an action. An inactive element will not initiate anaction if selected by a user. In one embodiment, active elements arerendered in color, while inactive elements are rendered in gray tones;in general, elements are rendered in a way that makes them readilydistinguishable as being either active or inactive. In FIG. 4A, theactive elements are labeled A, B and C, while the inactive elements arenot labeled. In the present embodiment, the graphic elements are alwaysvisible, regardless of which task is being performed (or which window orworkspace is open), and regardless of whether the element is active orinactive.

Elements are selected by a user in a conventional manner. That is, forexample, a user can position a cursor over an element and “click” acursor control element (e.g., a mouse) to select an element. When theelements are rendered as buttons, a selected element is depicted so thatit appears to be depressed. In general, a selected element is renderedin a way that allows the user to readily determine which element hasbeen selected.

In the present embodiment, user selection of an active element initiatesa particular task. One or more of the windows 431–435 may be associatedwith the particular task. The windows associated with a particular taskcan be referred to as a workspace. Thus, selection of an active elementcan not only initiate a task, but can also provide the user with accessto a window or windows or a particular workspace. By extension,initiating a task is equivalent to opening a window or presenting aworkspace. As depicted in FIG. 4A, one of the elements A, B and C hasbeen selected (say element A), resulting in the presentation of aworkspace comprising windows 431–435. Selection of another element mayresult in different windows or workspaces being opened.

In the present embodiment, some of the elements are always active,regardless of which task is being performed (or which window orworkspace is open). As depicted in FIG. 4A, the three elements A, B andC are active at all times, and the other elements are not active. Forexample, the microcontroller design tool described in conjunction withFIG. 3 is, in one embodiment, divided into at least three subsystems: aDevice Editor subsystem, an Application Editor subsystem, and a Debuggersubsystem. In essence, the Device Editor subsystem implements steps310–320 of FIG. 3, the Application Editor subsystem implements steps330–340 of FIG. 3, and the Debugger subsystem implements step 360 ofFIG. 3. According to the present invention, an element is associatedwith each of these subsystems, and the element for each subsystem isalways active, regardless of which subsystem is being used for the taskat hand. Thus, a user can readily move between various tasks (or windowsor workspaces) by selecting the appropriate active element. For example,in the microcontroller design tool, the user can move from the Debuggersubsystem back to the Device Editor subsystem without having to passthrough the Application Editor subsystem.

Another feature of the present invention is that the graphic elementsare rendered in GUI 400 in locations that correspond to the logicalorder in which tasks should be performed. For example, as describedabove, in the microcontroller design tool, the Device Editor subsystemimplements steps 310–320 of FIG. 3, the Application Editor subsystemimplements steps 330–340 of FIG. 3, and the Debugger subsystemimplements step 360 of FIG. 3. In accordance with the present invention,element A is associated with the Device Editor subsystem, element B withthe Application Editor subsystem, and element C with the Debuggersubsystem. The order of the graphic elements is used to suggest to theuser the order in which the subsystems are to be accessed.

FIG. 4B shows an example GUI 401 similar to that of GUI 400 of FIG. 4A;however, in FIG. 4B, the elements A1 and A2 have been activated. In thepresent embodiment, elements A1 and A2 are activated in response to userselection of another element (e.g., element A). It is understood thatcertain elements can also be deactivated in response to user selectionof a particular element.

FIG. 4B is described further by way of example. In the microcontrollerdesign tool, a user can select a user module and place it using theDevice Editor subsystem (refer to step 310 of FIG. 3). To accomplishthis, the user selects element A (for example) to implement the DeviceEditor subsystem. In response to this selection, elements for the usermodule selection task and for the user module placement task (e.g.,elements A1 and A2) are activated. Other elements may also be activatedfor the other tasks that can be performed using the Device Editorsubsystem.

Thus, similar to that described above, elements are presented to theuser in such a way so as to guide the user through the tasks in alogical order; for example, the user module selection task and the usermodule placement task are not activated until the user implements theDevice Editor subsystem. As well, the elements are placed to suggest tothe user a logical order for performing the tasks. That is, for example,the elements for the user module selection task and for the user moduleplacement task are proximate to each other, implying a relationshipbetween the tasks. Also, the element for the user module selection taskis placed to the left of the element for the user module placement task,implying an order in which the tasks should be performed.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example GUI 402 in which elements A3 and A4 havebeen activated. In one embodiment, elements A3 and A4 are activated inresponse to user selection of element A. In another embodiment, elementsA3 and A4 are activated in response to user selection of, for example,element A1. Thus, and in particular in the latter case, the elements canbe used to imply a hierarchy of tasks within the logical order of tasks.The implication of a hierarchy of tasks is further enforced byactivating elements on the second (lower) toolbar, implying that tasksassociated with elements on the second toolbar (e.g., second elements420) are subtasks of larger tasks associated with elements on the firsttoolbar (e.g., first elements 410). Again, the position and order inwhich the elements appear also implies that a relationship existsbetween the elements. For example, elements A3 and A4 can be observed tobe associated with subtasks of a task associated with element A, elementA3 can be observed to be associated with element A4, and the taskassociated with element A3 can be observed as likely occurring beforethe task associated with element A4.

Also of significance, elements A3 and A4 are not activated until, forexample, element A1 is selected. In this case, a user could not initiatean action associated with elements A3 and A4 unless the user has alsoinitiated the action associated with element A1. In other words, theuser is provided with access to only certain tasks, windows orworkspaces and is prevented from accessing others, depending on whichelement the user has selected. According to the present invention, whata user can and cannot access is intelligently selected and enforced byactivating and deactivating certain elements (e.g., A3 and A4) inresponse to user selection of a particular element (e.g., A1). In thismanner, the user is guided through the tasks in the order in which thetasks should be logically performed.

FIG. 4D illustrates an example GUI 403 in which elements A1–A4 have beendeactivated and elements B1, B2, B3 and B4 have been activated. ElementsB1–B4 may be activated, and elements A1–A4 deactivated, in response touser selection of element B or, in a manner similar to that describedabove, any of the elements B1–B4 may be activated in response to userselection of any of the other elements B1–B4. As described previouslyherein, the elements B1–B4 are selectively activated (and the elementsA1–A4 selectively deactivated) to guide the user through the tasks in aprocess in a logical order, and the order and position of the elementsare chosen to provide additional guidance to the user. It is alsoobserved that user selection of element B opens a new workspacecomprising windows 441, 442 and 443.

It is appreciated that, in response to user selection of element B, notall of the elements A1–A4 may be deactivated. For example, element A1may remain active. In this manner, a shortcut is created between tasks.For instance, in the microcontroller design tool in which element A isassociated with the Device Editor subsystem and element B is associatedwith the Application Editor subsystem, a user may move from a task inthe Application Editor subsystem directly to a task in the Device Editorsubsystem without traversing through all of the intervening tasks. Forexample, the user can move directly between a task associated with anyof the elements B1–B4 to the task associated with element A1, and viceversa. Thus, the user does not have to leave a task in the ApplicationEditor subsystem, enter the Device Editor subsystem, next enter aspecific task within the Device Editor subsystem, and then reverse thesesteps to return to the task in the Application Editor subsystem;instead, the user moves directly to the task in the Device Editorsubsystem, then directly back to the task in the Application Editorsubsystem. However, the user is still presented with only a limitednumber of choices that are intelligently selected and enforced byactivating and deactivating certain elements. Thus, as opposed to aconventional wizard approach, a user has greater flexibility and freedomof movement, but the user is still provided with a degree oforganization and guidance, in contrast to a conventional free formapproach.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a flowcharts of embodiments of processes 500 and 600,respectively, for helping a user perform tasks in software according tothe present invention. In one embodiment, processes 500 and 600 arecarried out by a processor under the control of computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions. The computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions reside, for example, in data storagefeatures such as computer usable volatile memory 102, computer-usablenon-volatile memory 103, and/or data storage device 104 of FIG. 1. Thecomputer-readable and computer-executable instructions are used tocontrol or operate in conjunction with, for example, central processingunit 101 of FIG. 1. Although specific steps are disclosed in processes500 and 600, such steps are exemplary. That is, the present invention iswell suited to use with various other steps or variations of the stepsrecited in processes 500 and 600.

With reference first to FIG. 5, in step 510, graphic elements arerendered in a GUI displayed on a display device of a computer system. Inthe present embodiment, the graphic elements are displayed at all times,whether the element is active or inactive.

In step 520, some of the graphic elements are selectively activated andother elements are selectively deactivated, depending on which task isbeing performed. The elements are activated and deactivated to suggestan order for performing the tasks, thereby guiding the user through thetasks in a logical order. In one embodiment, graphic elements areselectively activated and deactivated in response to user selection ofanother graphic element. In another embodiment, some of the graphicelements are activated at all times.

In step 530, in response to user selection of an element, an associatedview is displayed; that is, a workspace comprising one or more windowsmay be opened.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in step 610, a first plurality of graphicelements and a second plurality of graphic elements are rendered in aGUI displayed on a display device of a computer system. In oneembodiment, the first plurality of graphic elements is rendered in afirst toolbar, and the second plurality of graphic elements is renderedin a second toolbar. In another embodiment, the first plurality ofgraphic elements includes elements that are active at all times.

In step 620, a portion of the first plurality of graphic elements isactivated. In one embodiment, this portion of the graphic elements isactivated in response to user selection of, in general, another graphicelement and, specifically, another graphic element from the firstplurality of graphic elements.

In step 630, in the present embodiment, a portion of the secondplurality of graphic elements is activated in response to user selectionof a graphic element from the first plurality of graphic elements, inparticular the portion of elements activated in step 620. In thismanner, graphic elements are selectively activated and deactivated notonly to suggest an order for performing the tasks, but to suggest ahierarchy of the tasks within the logical order of the tasks.

In summary, the present invention presents graphic elements (e.g.,icons) in the order of the overall process flow that a user shouldfollow when performing the multitude of tasks that make up the process.Thereby, the icons guide the user through the process flow in asuggested order (e.g., left to right), according to a logical order ofthe tasks and a hierarchy of the tasks within the logical order. Theicons are always present; some icons are always active, while othericons are selectively activated and deactivated. Selection of an iconinitiates a task or opens a particular view (e.g., opens one or morewindows that make up a workspace). The icons facilitate the movement ofthe user from one task, window or workspace to another.

Thus, the present invention provides a method and system that can helpguide a user through a series of tasks in an orderly manner whilefacilitating movement between tasks. The present invention furtherprovides a method and system that can be used for the design ofmicrocontrollers. However, although described in the context ofmicrocontroller design, it is appreciated that the present invention maybe utilized in other types of computer-aided hardware and softwaredesign systems in which it is necessary to accomplish a multitude oftasks as part of an overall process; that is, the use of the presentinvention is not limited to use with the software design tool describedherein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface 700 renderedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 7 shows a workspace for the Device Editor subsystem used by themicrocontroller design tool described above. FIG. 7 shows two rows oficons, some of which are activated (those appearing in darker tones inthe figure) and others of which are deactivated (those appearing ingrayer tones in the figure). The icons are intelligently activated anddeactivated as described above to guide the user through the varioussubsystems, tasks, windows and workspaces used by the microcontrollerdesign tool.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention, multi-level quickclick icon hierarchy and/or activation, is thus described. While thepresent invention has been described in particular embodiments, itshould be appreciated that the present invention should not be construedas limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to thefollowing claims.

1. A method of helping a user perform tasks in software, said methodcomprising: rendering a first plurality of graphic elements and a secondplurality of graphic elements, wherein said first and second pluralitiesof graphic elements are visibly displayed at the same time regardless ofwhich of said tasks is being performed and regardless of whether saidfirst and second pluralities of graphic elements are active or inactive,wherein user selection of an element with said element active initiatesan action in response to said selection while user selection of saidelement with said element inactive does not initiate an action; making afirst portion of said first plurality of graphic elements active; andmaking a second portion of said second plurality of graphic elementsactive in response to user selection of an element from said firstplurality of graphic elements, wherein said tasks are to be performed ina logical order and wherein said second portion is selected according tosaid logical order, and wherein said first and second portions of activeelements are displayed in an order corresponding to said logical orderso that said active elements are presented to said user to guide saiduser through said tasks in said logical order.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein said first plurality of graphic elements comprises elements thatare active regardless of which task is being performed.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein elements in said first portion are selectively activatedto guide said user through said tasks according to said logical order.4. The method of claim 1 wherein elements in said second portion areactivated in response to user selection of an element from said firstportion.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said tasks comprise tasks fordesigning a microcontroller.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein saidmicrocontroller is designed according to a programmable single-chiparchitecture.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said first plurality ofgraphic elements comprises first icons organized in a first row and saidsecond plurality of graphic elements comprises second icons organized ina second row adjacent to said first row, wherein said first icons andsaid second icons are arranged to indicate a hierarchy of said taskswithin said logical order.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein selectedwindows are displayed in response to user selection of an element. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein a first element for a first task and asecond element for a second task are active at the same time, whereinaccording to said logical order there are intervening tasks between saidfirst and second tasks, and wherein movement between said first task andsaid second task is accomplished without movement through saidintervening tasks in response to user selection of said first and secondelements.
 10. A computer system comprising: a bus; a display devicecoupled to said bus; a memory unit coupled to said bus; and a processorcoupled to said bus, said processor for executing a method of helping auser perform tasks in software, said method comprising: rendering onsaid display device a first plurality of graphic elements and a secondplurality of graphic elements, wherein said first and second pluralitiesof graphic elements are visibly displayed at the same time regardless ofwhich of said tasks is being performed and regardless of whether saidfirst and second pluralities of graphic elements are active or inactive,wherein user selection of an element with said element active initiatesan action in response to said selection while user selection of saidelement with said element inactive does not initiate an action; making afirst portion of said first plurality of graphic elements active; andmaking a second portion of said second plurality of graphic elementsactive in response to user selection of an element from said firstplurality of graphic elements, wherein said tasks are to be performed ina logical order and wherein said second portion is selected according tosaid logical order, and wherein said first and second portions of activeelements are displayed in an order corresponding to said logical orderso that said active elements are presented to said user to guide saiduser through said tasks in said logical order.
 11. The computer systemof claim 10 wherein said first plurality of graphic elements compriseselements that are active regardless of which task is being performed.12. The computer system of claim 10 wherein elements in said firstportion are selectively activated to guide said user through said tasksaccording to said logical order.
 13. The computer system of claim 10wherein elements in said second portion are activated in response touser selection of an element from said first portion.
 14. The computersystem of claim 10 wherein said tasks comprise tasks for designing amicrocontroller.
 15. The computer system of claim 14 wherein saidmicrocontroller is designed according to a programmable single-chiparchitecture.
 16. The computer system of claim 10 wherein said firstplurality of graphic elements comprises first icons organized in a firstrow and said second plurality of graphic elements comprises second iconsorganized in a second row adjacent to said first row, wherein said firsticons and said second icons are arranged to indicate a hierarchy of saidtasks within said logical order.
 17. The computer system of claim 10wherein selected windows are displayed in response to user selection ofan element.
 18. The computer system of claim 10 wherein a first elementfor a first task and a second element for a second task are active atthe same time, wherein according to said logical order there areintervening tasks between said first and second tasks, and whereinmovement between said first task and said second task is accomplishedwithout movement through said intervening tasks in response to userselection of said first and second elements.
 19. A computer-usablemedium having computer-readable program code embodied therein forcausing a computer system to perform a method of helping a user performtasks in software, said method comprising: rendering a first pluralityof graphic elements and a second plurality of graphic elements, whereinsaid first and second pluralities of graphic elements are visiblydisplayed at the same time regardless of which of said tasks is beingperformed and regardless of whether said first and second pluralities ofgraphic elements are active or inactive, wherein user selection of anelement with said element active initiates an action in response to saidselection while user selection of said element with said elementinactive does not initiate an action; making a first portion of saidfirst plurality of graphic elements active; and making a second portionof said second plurality of graphic elements active in response to userselection of an element from said first plurality of graphic elements,wherein said tasks are to be performed in a logical order and whereinsaid second portion is selected according to said logical order, andwherein said first and second portions of active elements are displayedin an order corresponding to said logical order so that said activeelements are presented to said user to guide said user through saidtasks in said logical order.
 20. The computer-usable medium of claim 19wherein said first plurality of graphic elements comprises elements thatare active regardless of which task is being performed.
 21. Thecomputer-usable medium of claim 19 wherein elements in said firstportion are selectively activated to guide said user through said tasksaccording to said logical order.
 22. The computer-usable medium of claim19 wherein elements in said second portion are activated in response touser selection of an element from said first portion.
 23. Thecomputer-usable medium of claim 19 wherein said tasks comprise tasks fordesigning a microcontroller.
 24. The computer-usable medium of claim 23wherein said microcontroller is designed according to a programmablesingle-chip architecture.
 25. The computer-usable medium of claim 19wherein said first plurality of graphic elements comprises first iconsorganized in a first row and said second plurality of graphic elementscomprises second icons organized in a second row adjacent to said firstrow, wherein said first icons and said second icons are arranged toindicate a hierarchy of said tasks within said logical order.
 26. Thecomputer-usable medium of claim 19 wherein selected windows aredisplayed in response to user selection of an element.
 27. Thecomputer-usable medium of claim 19 wherein a first element for a firsttask and a second element for a second task are active at the same time,wherein according to said logical order there are intervening tasksbetween said first and second tasks, and wherein movement between saidfirst task and said second task is accomplished without movement throughsaid intervening tasks in response to user selection of said first andsecond elements.
 28. A graphical user interface (GUI) for helping a userperform tasks in software, said GUI comprising: a first plurality ofgraphic elements and a second plurality of graphic elements, whereinsaid first and second pluralities of graphic elements are visiblydisplayed at the same time regardless of which of said tasks is beingperformed and regardless of whether said first and second pluralities ofgraphic elements are active or inactive, wherein user selection of anelement with said element active initiates an action in response to saidselection while user selection of said element with said elementinactive does not initiate an action; wherein a first portion of saidfirst plurality of graphic elements is active; and wherein a secondportion of said second plurality of graphic elements is made active inresponse to user selection of an element from said first plurality ofgraphic elements, wherein said tasks are to be performed in a logicalorder and wherein said second portion is selected according to saidlogical order, and wherein said first and second portions of activeelements are displayed in an order corresponding to said logical orderso that said active elements are presented to said user to guide saiduser through said tasks in said logical order.
 29. The GUI of claim 28wherein said first plurality of graphic elements comprises elements thatare active regardless of which task is being performed.
 30. The GUI ofclaim 28 wherein elements in said first portion are selectivelyactivated to guide said user through said tasks according to saidlogical order.
 31. The GUI of claim 28 wherein said tasks comprise tasksfor designing a microcontroller according to a programmable single-chiparchitecture.
 32. The GUI of claim 28 wherein said first plurality ofgraphic elements comprises first icons organized in a first row and saidsecond plurality of graphic elements comprises second icons organized ina second row adjacent to said first row, wherein said first icons andsaid second icons are arranged to indicate a hierarchy of said taskswithin said logical order.
 33. The GUI of claim 28 further comprisingwindows selectively displayed in response to user selection of anelement.
 34. The GUI of claim 28 wherein at least two graphic elementsof said first portion of graphic elements are adjacent to each other, afirst one of said two graphic elements corresponding to a first task anda second one of said two graphic elements corresponding to a secondtask, said first task preceding said second task according to saidlogical order.